Pregnant Woman In Sudan Sentenced To Death By Hanging For Marrying A Christian

In Khartoum, the female doctor was sentenced to "apostasy" and therefore subjected to death. Under the country's sharia law, the 26-year-old Meriam Ibrahim, whose father was Muslim, was also found guilty of committing "illegitimate sex" with a non-Muslim man, which mandates a court-ordered punishment of 100 lashes.

Ibrahim, who is currently eight months pregnant, was originally married to her Christian fiancé in 2011. The two already have an 18-year-old child together, but according to Sudan law, the inter-religious marriage is not acknowledged.

Although its unclear as to when Ibrahim will be forced to endure her public flogging, the BBC has reported that the execution-by-hanging has been delayed until two years after the birth of her child.

Many human rights groups are understandably disgusted by this egregious application of Sudanese law. Amnesty International condemned the sentencing in a statement, and also called for Ibrahim's immediate and unconditional release from any charges.

The fact that a woman has been sentenced to death for her religious choice, and to flogging for being married to a man of an allegedly different religion is appalling and abhorrent. Adultery and apostasy are acts which should not be considered crimes at all.

Ibrahim is eligible to appeal her death sentence as well as the 100 lashes.